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Source: Penn State has Vanderbilt's James Franklin, Miami's Al Golden on their search list

Al Golden 2013

Expect Miami coach Al Golden, a former Penn State player and captain, to be on the Nittany Lions' wish list as the program searches for a permanent replacement for Bill O'Brien. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Expect Vanderbilt's James Franklin and Miami's Al Golden to top Penn State's football's wish list as the Nittany Lions search for the permanent successor to Bill O'Brien. I've heard those two names mentioned by a source close to the PSU program.

O'Brien has left PSU to become head coach of the Houston Texans, according to an ESPN report.

And a source told PennLive.com on Wednesday that PSU named veteran defensive line coach Larry Johnson interim head coach. It is unclear if the Lions plan to interview Johnson for the head coaching position.

I'm told a search committee is in place and the coaching search will not drag on.

Franklin, the Vanderbilt leader, is preparing his Commodores for a Jan. 4 bowl game against Houston.

Golden, the Miami Hurricanes' head coach, is a former PSU player and captain.